Culture of Silence

In the wake of recent allegations of misbehaviour at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Defence Minister Stephen Smith has demanded that the Defence Force acts to end any suggestion it condones a culture of abuse. Right now there are at least six separate investigations under way looking at behaviour in different sections of the military. Many will take months to be finalised. This week reporter Geoff Thompson breaks the silence, investigating the claims of servicemen and women who claim they were beaten, abused or sexually assaulted. Why were their claims hushed up, and why does an institution that prides itself on sacrifice and service treat its people so badly?

No one doubts it takes a certain type of person to volunteer to serve in the frontline. No one doubts that person needs tough training to help them make decisions under pressure. But what happens when the training process is no longer simply tough but becomes brutal, even sadistic? And what happens when a soldier says it's all gone too far and blows the whistle on illegal behaviour?

Four Corners tells the story of a young trainee officer who goes to the aid of another soldier who's being physically beaten by senior trainees. "John", as we will call him, is attacked and has bleach thrown in his eyes. When he complains to his superiors he then becomes a target of further abuse.

Caught alone in his room "John" is attacked by half a dozen trainee officers, held down and sexually assaulted. When he consults a medical officer he is told not to report the attack or he will face further problems. From this point his career spirals downward and he attempts suicide. At no point does anyone suggest an inquiry is needed. No investigation is made and those who assaulted him are allowed to pursue careers within the Defence Force. Meanwhile, "John" is told by his superior officer he has no future in the Force.

Three decades later "John" finally has a chance to tell his story, claiming he has one significant motivation for doing so:

"I am still very angry about it... I am aware that there are people that I'm certain who were involved in the assault on me who are now senior officers in the Australian Defence Forces. And I have concerns about that."

Four Corners talks to a number of other people with similar experiences. Each one tells a story involving shocking brutality, followed by a cover up of the incident.

"Culture of Silence", presented by Kerry O'Brien, goes to air on Monday 13th June at 8.30pm on ABC1. It is replayed on Tuesday 14th June at 11.35pm. The program can also be seen on ABC News 24 at 8.00pm on Saturdays. It is also available on iview and at Video on Demand.

Background Information

NEWS UPDATES

Defence report details horrific tales of abuse | ABC News | 15 Jun 2012 - The details of a report into the Defence Force have revealed a horrific history of physical and sexual abuse that continues to this day. Defence Minister Stephen Smith responds.

Retired Major General discusses ADF inquiry findings | RN | 7 Mar 2012 - Out of 1,000 reports of alleged sexual abuse within the military, the review by law firm DLA Piper, headed by Andrew Kirkham QC, found that 775 cases are 'plausible' and warrant investigation. In releasing the findings Stephen Smith said a Royal Commission, judicial inquiry or parliamentary committee may consider reparation to any sex abuse victims. Audio